Nail Art Studio: Mermaid Nails

1. On a prepared nail, apply a gel base coat and cure. Using your pigment brush, pat some color pigment to half of the nail starting from the free edge and working toward the center.

2. Clean the pigment brush and then apply the white/pearl pigment to the remainder of the nail, paying special attention to the center of the nail. Try to blend the colors using a gradient effect. Flash cure to adhere the pigment. Apply a clear gel to seal in the pigments and cure.

3. Remove the tacky residue and lightly buff to remove the surface shine. Apply the scales using white gel and cure, or white acrylic paint and allow to dry. Apply a high gloss top coat gel and cure.

You can also mail your tips (one for each step) and written instructions to Tracy Rubert, NAILS Magazine, 3520 Challenger St., Torrance, CA 90503. Make sure to include your name, salon name (if applicable), city, state, and contact information. When mailing us tips for Nail Art Studio, please mail them in a padded envelope or box to keep the nail tips fully intact in transit.